On Sunday, 21 May, the Golden Years Club Celebration's opening ceremony begins with a blessing for Texas pet companions. It is graciously delivered by Rabbi Cantor Marie Betcher, Senior Chaplain/Austin Police Department.
Rabbi Cantor Marie Betcher received Bachelor's and Master of Music Degrees in Vocal Performance from Indiana University School of Music and Florida State, respectively. After years of a successful music career, she answered the call to serve the Jewish people. She became an Ordained Cantor in 1999 from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City and was Ordained Rabbi in 2011. She has served Reform and Conservative congregations nationwide, gaining a wide and varied experience throughout her pulpit career.
Today, Rabbi Cantor Betcher serves the Austin Police Department as Senior Chaplain. She served on the national Executive Board of The Police Chaplain Project. She was a Board Member and Performer for Swan Songs, Austin, Texas. Rabbi Betcher served on the iACT (Interfaith Action of Central Texas) Board of Directors. Rabbi Betcher serves as Jewish Chaplain for Lone Star Social Services (working to care for children). Dr. James Mercer, Founder, and Owner.
In addition, Rabbi does extensive work with animal groups and rescues. She does many Animal Blessing Ceremonies for Events/Fundraisers and Private Venues. She is honored to Bless the Animals at the Mighty Texas Dog Walk at Camp Mabry.
She served on the American Conference of Cantors Executive Board, was Chair of the ACC Caring Committee, and sat on the ACC Budget Committee. She is active in the community in Interfaith circles and participates in LGBTQ Services. She also serves ex-officio on the LGPOA (Lesbian Gay Peace Officers Association – APD) Board.
Rabbi-Cantor Betcher sang in concert in Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and toured Sicily and England. New York University Recital Hall, The Ambler Music Festival in Philadelphia, Piccolo Spoleto in Charleston, SC, and other venues.
She has written many articles, three of which are her article for the URJ Ten Minutes of Torah, the American Conference of Cantors Notes Worth Knowing, and The Austin American Statesman "Helping to find God Even in the Darkest Hours."
Residents in the Golden Years Club make no pretense; they are 'old' biologically speaking, but each one is young at heart with a strong desire to live, seek human companionship, and feel valued.
Statistically beating the nation's average canine lifespan, our Golden Oldies are not shy about telling their stories and taking well-deserved bows.
Please, RSVP by 18 May
Comments